Nathan West sat in the Tun Tavern staring into his drink. The rest of his 
      squad was involved in a heated poker game. West wouldn't have had the 
      energy if he were welcome. He had just visited Hawkes in the brig. He felt 
      sorry for the big tank. Nathan was all he had left. McQueen, Shane , Wang, 
      'Phoose...they had been the man's family. They were all lost in one day, 
      and they were both still grieving, in their own ways. Nathan's just wasn't 
      as violent. Nathan's mind drifted back to the image of Shane. He didn't 
      want to reason why the loss of his Captain was the most painful of recent 
      blows. When had Shane's face replaced Kylen's in his dreams? Nathan only 
      stared into his drink. 
      Then he began to become aware of someone hovering nearby. He looked up to 
      see two MPs standing stoically infront of him. 
      "If the Lieutenant would come with us, sir........." 
      Nathan shrugged. He figured it was just a matter of time before he joined 
      Hawkes. He tossed back the last of his drink and stood, wondering what 
      he'd done. 
      "This way, sir." 
      Nathan followed the MPs out of the Tun, but was mildly surprised at the 
      direction they took. Instead of heading to the brig, they headed for the 
      officers' quarters. He surmised he was being called up one the rug by 
      Ross. 
      The MPs stopped at a hatch. "In there, sir." 
      Nathan, surprised yet still game, opened the hatch and stepped through 
      into the quarters. The door slammed shut as he searched the room for its 
      occupant. He found her, staring out into space, her back to him. 
      "You sent for me, sir?" She smiled to herself, although he could not see 
      it. Then she uttered one word. 
      "Chestie." 
      Nathan automatically responded, "Bulldog." He strode across the deck and 
      turned the woman around to face him. At the sight of her face his heart 
      gave a powerful, painful thump. 
      "Shane!" 
      He embraced her, holding on for dear life, and felt her bury her head in 
      his shoulder. 
      When they finally released each other, Nathan examined his friend more 
      carefully. Shane refused to look him in the eye. He gently grabbed her 
      chin and forced her head upward. His eyes turned ice cold when he saw the 
      angry wound that scarred her pale face. 
      "Shane...." 
      "Nathan, please. It's along complicated story." 
      "I have time." 
      Shane sighed bitterly, knowing that she would never be able to evade 
      Nathan's questions. Vanessa's, yes, Nathan's, no. 
      "It has everything to do with Anvil." 
      "Go on." 
      "The Chig we warned was just not any Chig. It was a very important, almost 
      godlike in its position, Chig." 
      "Then why did that patrol want to spam it?" 
      "Civil war. That same group was the one who did the Peace Conference 
      bombing. But they're not the faction in power." 
      "So the truce was a ruse." 
      Shane shook her head. "It was legit. After we hit, Chig soldiers grabbed 
      us. I wouldn't leave Vanessa, so we got caught." She averted her eyes. 
      "Spent some weeks with the AI's enjoying their 'hospitality' before the 
      Chigs figured out who we were. Lucky for us, it was the ones we warned." 
      Nathan reached over and gently touched her face. She looked at him quickly 
      and continued. "They patched us up the best they could, gave up Paul, put 
      us in a ISSCV, and sent us back." 
      Nathan smiled. "So the Wildcards will fly again." 
      Shane shook her head. "Vanessa and Paul are going back to Earth for 
      treatment. But that's not all. They sent me back with a message, and a 
      mission. Peace talks." 
      Doubt flashed in Nathan's eyes. 
      "I know you don't' trust it. I don't blame you. But, Nathan, I do. I trust 
      this completely. There's one problem though." 
      "What's that?" 
      "I have a feeling they'll court-martial me before I open my mouth." 
      "Because of Anvil." 
      She nodded. "Because of Anvil." 
      Nathan sighed bitterly and drew her to him. "You come with a solution, a 
      message of peace, to end the worst conflict in the history of humanity, 
      and the bureaucracy wants to court-martial you." 
      He could feel her smile against his chest before she looked up at him. 
      "Well, it's either that or let the GI's shoot me on sight." 
      Nathan snorted. "With the attitudes around her, that's not far from the 
      truth." 
      "I heard about Hawkes; Ross told me. Assaulting an officer." 
      "It's been hard on him. The comments, the looks, they eat at him. He 
      finally snapped when our new CO-who resembles you slightly, by the way; 
      puts him off balance-shot her mouth off about what happened." 
      "Poor Cooper." 
      Nathan suddenly realized how tightly he was holding Shane. He reluctantly 
      let her go. She moved away from him, sensing he need his space. 
      "I get debriefed the day after tomorrow." 
      "What do you do until then?" 
      "Sit here and stare at the bulkhead, most likely. Listen, will you go tell 
      Hawkes we're O.K.? That we're back?" 
      "Why don't you tell him yourself?" 



      Cooper Hawkes stared at the wall of his cell in disgust, desperation, and 
      anguish. Damn Captain Remyton. Why did she have to cut down the 58th's 
      dead? She looked so much like Shane, yet acted so differently. She was 
      uncaring, cold, and hostile. Of course, Cooper thought with a snort, Shane 
      could be all those things, if she was pissed. 
      He heard the hatch open. HE looked up to see two figures standing at his 
      cell. Nathan and Her. 
      "What's she doin' here, West?" 
      "Hawkes........" Nathan began. 
      "I said get her away from me before I do more than hit her." 
      "Cooper..." Shane's rich alto tones shattered Hawkes's hostility. He 
      rushed to the bars, reaching through them to embrace her. When he let her 
      down, he stared hard at her face. 
      "What happened?" 
      "Coop........." 
      "What the hell happened?!" 
      Shane began to explain.....again. 



      "Oh, man," Cooper muttered. "There ain't no way the brass is gonna believe 
      that." 
      "That's what I figure," Shane replied. "That's why you and West gotta deep 
      your mouths shut about Anvil." 
      "We're not letting you take the heat alone," West broke in. 
      "It's not your choice, it's mine." 
      "We ain't abandoning you again." Hawkes was adamant. 
      "You won't be abandoning me. You'll be helping me. It's easier if I only 
      have to explain my own actions." Shane glanced at her watch. "I gotta get 
      back to quarters before everyone's up and about. The less people who see 
      me, the better." 
      "I'll walk you back," West replied. 
      "Shane," Hawkes began, "We'll watch your six." 
      "Thanks." 



      The journey from the Brig to Shane's quarters was uneventful. Nathan was 
      prepared to leave her at her hatch, alone, but she stopped him. 
      "Nathan.....I don't want to be by myself, not yet." 
      He followed her into the room, concerned. "Are the nightmares back?" 
      She looked at him with tears in her eyes. He drew her to him, holding her 
      while she silently cried. She seemed so childlike, innocent. He gently 
      stroked her back, burying his head in her hair. She smelled of ozone, 
      hammerhead fuel, soap and a unique perfume that was all her own. It was 
      intoxicating. She felt so good, so right, in his arms. He had thought he 
      loved Kylen, and maybe he had. But no like this. This was all 
      encompassing, as if she were part of him, body and soul. He had lived 
      without Kylen. He could not live without Shane. 
      He was gradually aware that Shane's arms had moved form around his torso 
      to around his neck, her forearms resting on his shoulders. He pulled away 
      from her, slightly, so he could look into her eyes. He knew his new found 
      feelings were easily read by the look of shock that came over Shane's tear 
      streaked face. But then the shock was replaced by ....wanting, perhaps? 
      Nathan touched her face gently. She caught her breath. The air crackled 
      with electricity. She whispered to him, needing to know, "Kylen?" 
      "Kylen is my past. She wasn't what I thought," Nathan murmured back, his 
      lips centimeters above hers. 
      Shane moved to close the gap between them, their lips connection gently at 
      first, then urgently, confirming what the both felt, needed, and wanted. 



      0300. Nathan's foggy mind was struggling to tell him something. Mission, 
      that was it. He had a mission briefing in two hours. He needed to get back 
      to the 58th's bunk. He looked down at his companion. Shane's head was 
      pillowed on his chest, her dark hair fanning out around her. They were 
      intertwined on the room's only bunk, arms and legs hooked together. He 
      never thought he would fall asleep with Shane Vanson resting in his arms. 
      He absently tucked the sheet around her more securely. He should leave; 
      he'd be in it deep with his CO anyway. He gazed at Shane once more. Screw 
      it, he thought, I don't want to move her. Who am I kidding, he continued, 
      I don't want to leave. 



      The 58th had two empty chairs. Captain Remyton was livid. Hawkes, she knew 
      why he was missing, but where the hell was West? He'd never come back to 
      quarters. HE had about five seconds before she'd, as the saying goes, went 
      thermal nuclear on his ass. Commodore Ross entered the room. Remyton 
      silently cursed West under her breath. Now she'd have to explain his 
      absence. Just as the 58th sat down in their chairs, West entered the room. 
      He inwardly flinched. Late, damn. 
      Ross sent a stern yet understanding glance in the young pilot's direction. 
      The Commodore was not a stupid man. Nor was he an uninformed one. He knew 
      where West had been. 
      Throughout the briefing, Remyton sent death glares in West's direction. 
      That boy was in for it. 
      Ross noticed her glares, and they reinforced his most recent decision. 
      Remyton was a good solider, but not a good leader. She needed someone to 
      hold her reins. She needed to see the bounty that leadership extracted 
      from its victims. She needed to see what the sacrifices a leader made left 
      him or her with. Lord knows, West and Hawkes didn't make it any easier, 
      but she needed discipline. She was good, but she needed more experience. 
      And be it for a brief time, it would also give him a way to help a certain 
      Marine facing a firing squad. Ross watched as the 58th filed out and 
      headed toward their planes. He did not miss Remyton's glare to West that 
      said 'later.' Ross vowed that there would be no later. 



      Shane sat i8n the Commodore's office staring at the man in shock. 
      "You want me to be the 58th's CO?" 
      "Yes, I do." 
      "But, I can't. I have to........" 
      "I know, Captain. I've read your report. But until the powers that be 
      arrive and make up their minds, you're stuck here with nothing but time on 
      your hands." 
      Shane said nothing. 
      "It will also speak volumes of the faith I have in your abilities, 
      motives, and loyalty," Ross continued. 
      Shane looked straight at him. "In that case, sir, I accept." 



      The 58th got back, tired and grubby from their patrol. West was hoping to 
      avoid Remyton's wrath, but the woman caught him before he'd exited the 
      hanger. 
      "Where the hell were you!?" 
      "Gee, I didn't know you cared." 
      "West...." 
      "Captain Remyton," Ross barked as he strode toward the pair, "a word 
      please?" 



      Remyton stared at the woman sitting next to her. She knew she'd be 
      assigned a CO sooner or later, it was inevitable, but why did it have to 
      be her. As if she didn't have enough to worry about. 
      Shane Vanson glanced at the woman sitting next to her. She could feel the 
      dislike radiation from the Captain. Wonderful. 
      "Captain Remyton, you will still be honcho in space and on planet, for 
      now." 
      "Sir, meaning no disrespect, sir, but if my new CO is unfit for 
      combat......." 
      "She's no unfit, Captain. She is far to valuable to loose on a routine 
      patrol. She just may save all our sorry asses." 
      Remyton looked chastised. 
      "Therefor," Ross continued, "the Major..." 
      "Major!" Shane exclaimed. 
      "Major-I can do that-," Ross continued, "will be your adviser, consultant, 
      in short you don't take a dump unless she says so." 
      Remyton set her jaw. 
      "E suggest you meet your squad in the briefing room, Captain. The Major 
      and I will be right behind you." 
      Remyton left. Vanson glanced at Ross. "She doesn't like me." 
      She doesn't have to. All she has to do is keep you alive. Right now, the 
      58th is the best protection you could have." 
      "Even though some of them would like me dead?" 
      "Even though." 



      Hawkes sat in his chair and looked around the room. He'd been sprung from 
      the brig today. Noticing the absence of their CO, he leaned over and 
      whispered to West, "Where's Remyton?" 
      "With Ross." 
      Maybe he's gonna court-martial her." 
      "I don't know. I gotta funny feeling. Something's up." 
      Remyton stormed into t he room. 
      Hawkes whispered, "What bit her?" 
      West raised an eyebrow. 
      "5-8, Listen up!," Remyton started. "We're getting an officer." 
      "West and Hawkes had no time to exchange even glances, let alone 
      impressions and predictions, before some one shouted, "Commodore on deck!" 

      Ross walked through the hatch. Instead of proceeding to the table, he 
      stepped aside, letting his companion enter the room. Stepping through the 
      hatch, Shane was suddenly keenly aware of McQueen's absence. She'd never 
      been on the other side of the table. 
      Ross addressed the 58th. "5-8, this your new CO, Major Vanson." West 
      raised an eyebrow. Hawkes grinned. "She is in fact, God to you until 
      further notice. Don not question her. Stick to her like glue, and this 
      whole mess may soon be over. Major." 
      Shane looked over the assembled Marines. "As of the Commodore's orders, 
      the 58th is being reassigned." 
      "Reassigned!" Hawkes burst out. 
      "Can it, Hawkes. Listen up. You've been reassigned to protective duties 
      until further notice. The heads of the United Earth Forces will be 
      convening on the Saratoga tomorrow. You're to make sure what happened 
      before doesn't happen again." 
      A lieutenant to the left of West spoke up, "Doesn't the Saratoga have more 
      than enough security personnel?" 
      "You won't be protecting the Earth Forces Leaders. You'll be protecting 
      me." 
      Stunned looks permeated the faces of those present with the exception of 
      Hawkes, West, and Ross. Then Remyton decided to speak up. 
      "Commodore.........." 
      Captain, if you're half as smart as I think you are.........." 
      "Sir," Shane interjected, "Let her say it. Someone has to." Remyton 
      continued, "Why the hell should we? We'd be home already if not for Anvil. 
      She's accepted the responsibility for it. She should be strung up, not 
      promoted." 
      Hawkes shot out of his chair. Nathan jumped to restrain his friend. Shane 
      threw herself infront of the big tank "Save it, Cooper!" 
      Hawkes settled. Shane continued. "I should be, and probably will be. I 
      admit to what I did. But that's not as important as what is going to 
      happen." 
      "What's that?" Remyton cracked. 
      "Peace, " Ross answered. 
      The room was silent as the Commodore lift the room, pausing at the hatch, 
      throwing these words over his shoulder, "Bunk with your squad, Major." 



      Shane tried to pull herself up onto the bunk, but caught her breath as she 
      winced in pain. Nathan was immediately at her side, helping her back down 
      to the floor. He looked at her, their mutual agreement of silence and 
      suspension as to their new found relationship still echoing in his eyes. 
      "Guess I bruised that rib harder than I thought." 
      "Do you want to go to Sickbay?" 
      "No, I'm fine, really." 
      Nathan sent her a look that said he didn't believe her, not for one 
      second. 
      "Take my bunk, so you don't have to climb," this came from Hawkes. 
      "Cooper, I can't take you bunk......." 
      "Can it, Major." His eyes twinkled at bit with the invocation of her new 
      rank. 
      "Besides, I slept in your bunk for two weeks after, you know...." 
      Shane shot him an unbelieving look. 
      "I did, man. Ask West; he'll back me up." 
      "True, true." 
      "All right!" Shane threw up her hands, wincing. "I think this is what they 
      call mutiny." 
      "Whatever, Vanson." 
      Shane sat, suddenly exhausted, on Hawkes recently vacated bunk. 
      "So," The youngest member of the new Wildcards piped, "how come the 
      Commodore thinks you're gonna end the war........sir?" The 'sir' was 
      tacked on after a vicious look from Hawkes was sent in the young man's 
      direction. 
      "You ever hear the expression, 'The enemy of my enemy is my friend'?" 
      "Yeah." 
      "It's something like that." 
      From aloft her bunk, Remyton snorted. "Sounds like treason to me." 
      West and Hawkes held their breath, sensing what was coming. Shane, who had 
      endured the looks, the barely verbalized comments, and the hateful 
      gestures, finally snapped. She shot up from the bunk, reached up, and 
      despite the pain it caused her, grabbed Remyton by the shirt front, and 
      hauled the startled captain off her bunk before she knew what was 
      happening. 
      "What the hell is your problem?" 
      "You!" 
      "You haven't the foggiest about what happened on Anvil. No one does! If 
      you did, you'd know enough to keep your mouth shut!" 
      "All I know is that for what you and your squad did on Anvil, betraying 
      human kind, you're getting off easy. All of you should be shot. But 
      everyone else pays the price!" 
      Shane backed the woman up against the bulkhead. She thrust her face into 
      Remyton's and continued in a deadly voice, "I'll tell you what I got for 
      Anvil. I got to be interrogated for three weeks straight by AIs. You ever 
      been interrogated?" Remyton shook her head. "I thought not. I got these," 
      she gestured to the burn scars on her cheek, "I got to watch one of my 
      pilots, my friend, slowly dying from a head injury and there wasn't a damn 
      thing I could do about it. I got to help my captors patch up another of my 
      pilots, my friend. I got to hold his stomach together, got to have him 
      bleed all over me, praying to whatever God that still exists that I was 
      doing the right thing, that I shouldn't just let him die to end his pain. 
      Then, I got to come back here with a responsibility to save the whole 
      damned planet, and probably court-martialed to boot. The only things that 
      were remotely positive was that a, my friends know I'm alive, and b, the 
      Commodore showed enough faith in me to give me your sorry ass to command. 
      I also got a promotion that I didn't want because, if by some unexplained 
      phenomena, I don't get court-martialed, I'll get stuck with a group of 
      wet-behind-the-ears kids to keep alive and make sure they don't shoot each 
      other in the foot!" 
      Shane released Remyton and moved away from her. 
      "Shane..." West began. 
      "Stuff it, West." 
      "Why didn't...." 
      "...I tell you about how bad off Paul and Vanessa were? Didn't make any 
      sense to. They're fine now." 
      "How do you know?" 
      "I know. She looked at her hands and then back to Cooper and Nathan. "They 
      have to be."